# Photovoltaic effect and photopolarization in Pb[(Mg1/3Nb2/3)0.68Ti0.32]O3 crystal

**Authors:** A. S. Makhort, F. Chevrier, D. Kundys, B. Doudin, B. Kundys  
**arXiv:** [1801.04870](https://arxiv.org/abs/1801.04870)  
**Date:** 2018-01-15  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/en/paper/1801.04870v1/

## Key points

- Ferroelectric photovoltaic materials explored as alternative to traditional semiconductor-based photovoltaics
- Undoped lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate crystal discovered with strong photovoltaic effect
- Significant enhancement in photovoltaic response observed under specific electric fields and temperatures
- Maximum efficiency coincides with reorientation of ferroelectric dipoles near Curie temperature, showing threefold increase
- Crystal displays distinct remanent and transient effects at ferroelectric saturation in photovoltaic response
- Photoferroelectric crystals offer opportunities for advanced applications in photovoltaics and optoelectronics beyond solar energy conversion
- Potential for all-optical information storage and other innovative technologies with unique properties of ferroelectric materials

## Summary

A recent study by A. S. Makhort, F. Chevrier, D. Kundys, B. Doudin and B. Kundys has explored the potential of ferroelectric photovoltaic materials as an alternative to traditional semiconductor-based photovoltaics. These materials have the advantage of generating photovoltage above the bandgap; however, their limited known compounds and low efficiencies have hindered widespread adoption. The researchers made a groundbreaking discovery in their study of an undoped lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate crystal with a strong photovoltaic effect. They observed a significant enhancement in the photovoltaic response when subjected to specific electric fields and temperatures. The maximum efficiency was found to coincide with the reorientation of ferroelectric dipoles driven by electric fields, exhibiting a threefold increase near the Curie temperature. Furthermore, the study revealed that at ferroelectric saturation, the crystal displayed distinct remanent and transient effects in its photovoltaic response. This unique combination of transient-remanent behaviors, coupled with opportunities for electric and thermal tuning, positions photoferroelectric crystals as promising elements for advanced applications in photovoltaics and optoelectronics. These findings suggest that these photoferroelectric crystals hold potential beyond traditional solar energy conversion and offer possibilities for all-optical information storage and other innovative technologies on the horizon. This research opens up new avenues for harnessing the unique properties of ferroelectric materials to drive advancements in renewable energy generation and beyond.